Tractor mounted hydraulic loader



Sept- 18, 19.56 J. K. HARRISON 2,763,385

TRACTOR MOUNTED HYDRAULIC LOADER Filed June 18, 1952 s sheets-sheet 1 ATTORNEYS Sept' 18, 1956 J. K. HARRISON TRACTOR MOUNTED HYDRAULIC LOADER 3 Sheets-Sham', 2

Filed June 18. 1952 INVENTQR Jolly K. Hurrlson ATTORNEYS Sept. 18,41956 J. K. HARRISON 2,763,385

TRACTOR MOUNTED HYDRAULIC LOADER l Filed June 18, 1952 T s sheets-sheet s WINCH MOTOR LIFTING CYLINDER TILTING TILTING CYL. 56

LIFTING CYLINDER Fig.7.

INVENTOR f ATTORNEYS Jolly K.. Harrison Unit@ 2,763,385 Patented Sept. 18, 1,956l

TRACTOR MOUNTED HYDRAULIC LOADER Jolly Kibler Harrison, Columbia, S. C.

Application June 18, 1952, Serial No. 294,206 Claims. (Cl. 214-142) This invention relates to improvements in material handling apparatus, and more particularly to a loader apparatus for mounting on tractors.

It is an object of this invention to provide a loader frame having a tilting load moving means which can be conveniently attached to tractors and similar vehicles. Through use of such a frame it is possible to adapt tractors to the handling and moving of earth and similar materials. The frame as shown and described has mounted thereon a load carrying device, which is only partly shown and which may be a fork, for example, but it is also a purpose of this invention to provide a frame which can be used for actuating other kinds of article carrying and moving means.

lt is a further object of my invention to provide a loader traine which is simple and light in construction, yet which has adequate strength for its purposes.

A further object of this invention is to provide a loader frame which is adapted to form an integral part oi the vehicle supporting frame. `The loader frame is provided with motor supports, as Well as other supporting means for components of the vehicle.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a tractor mounted loader mechanism with an adjustable ballast means forming a part thereof. The ballast means is coordinated with the other load moving mechanism and adjustable to properly counterbalance a supported load.

Also the objects of this invention include the provision of hydraulic means for conveniently manipulating and controlling, and coordinating the loader mechanism.

Other objects include providing hydraulic means having a supply tank which is mounted so as to counterbalance the shovel, and placing all components of the hydraulic equipment in such a position that there is no danger of injury thereto.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a side elevational View of the loader mechanism as mounted on a tractor with some of the elements being broken away for better showing.

Figure 2 is a top plan View in which some of the parts have been broken away to improve the disclosure.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary View taken along line 3-3 ot Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a view taken along line 4--4 of Figure l.

Figure 5 is a partial sectional elevational view taken along line 5--5 or Figure 7.

Figure 6 is a partial sectional elevational view taken along line 6--6 of Figure 7.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side View of a loader attachment.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the hydraulic circuit for operating the loader mechanism. v

Similar reference characters represent similar parts in the several figures.

The need for equipment for speedily and eiiciently handling materials, is Well recognized. ln order to meet this need there has been developed numerous mechanical devices for loading materials onto trucks, trains, conveyors, etc. In the past the most common devices employed for such purposes have been power driven shovels. However, shovels and similar equipment are extremely expensive, require considerable maintenance, and cannot be easily transported from one work sight to another. Furthermore, such shovels are not adapted to the eiicient moving of materials from one location to another, and because of their size and bulkiness, require a considerable amount of room in which to operate.

With my invention I have provided loading mechanism which is comparatively inexpensive in initial cost, which is simple in construction and easy to maintain, and which is adapted to be mounted on and form a part of a vehicle having the speed and maneuverability demanded for present-day loading and moving of bulk materials.

Referring now particularly to the drawings, 10 and 11 indicate two parallel side frame members comprising part ol the main frame of my loader mechanism. The side frame members are adapted to be connected to a tractor illustrated by dotted lines in Figures l and 2, and may be provided with suitable cross bracing, when necessary. The frame members lie adjacent the tractor frame and can be connected thereto in any suitable manner.

As shown in Figure l, each side frame member is provided with bearing cap-like members 13 and 14 for securing the loader mechanism to the axle housing 15 ot the tractor. As shown in Figure 5, the side frame members are connected by an axle connecting element 16 having a depending U-shaped trunnion block 17 for connection to the axle 18 by means of pin 19. The pin may be secured in position by any convenient means.

The side frame members, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, are bent to form two angularly extending portions 20 and 21, and a longitudinally extending portion 22. An angle iron 25 is connected to the rear portion of each of the side members, and extends downwardly and upwardly therefrom at an angle thereto. A longitudinally extending element 26 connects one leg of the angle iron and the forward portion of the side member.4 Projecting enclosure 26a is thus formed.

Reinforcing element 27 extends vertically downward from portion 22 to the same depth as angle iron 25. Member 26 has frame member 255 connected thereto, and extending downwardly and rearwardly therefrom. A trunnion support block 29 connects member 28 and angle iron 25. Members 27 and 29 constitute the trunnion supports for a hydraulic cylinder 30. Each of the trunnion supports receives a pin 31, to which the lower end of the cylinder 3l? is pivotally connected. Elements 23, 29, 25, 20, 21 and 22 are interconnected by suitably formed pieces of sheet steel so as to form enclosed housings lor the lower end of cylinder 30. The sheet steel also acts as a stiffening means, extends enclosure 26a which protects and supports cylinder Btl, and contributes to the strength of the cylinder support.

Trunnion block 29 has connected thereto a support member 32, to which is pivotally connected arm 33, which in turn is connected to hydraulic steering cylinder 34. Cylinder 34 has a piston and piston rod 35, which is connected to the wheel steering member. A cross brace element 36, which may comprise a T formed by two pieces of at bar stock, extends laterally between the two cylinder support housings to provide additional strength.

An exhaust pipe support bracket 37 may be secured to the stiffening member 36. Overlying frame member 26 of the front portion of each side member, there is provided an additional frame member 40. A diagonal brace 41 which may have a bar 42 attached thereto for strength, interconnects the forward end of element 40 and the upper end of angle iron 25. At its rear element 40 is also connecte/d to angle iron 25. VDiagonal brace 43 extends upwardly from the rear of the side frame member and is connected to angle iron 25. There is also provided a vertically extending "stiiening element 44. Element 44 is connected to the side frame member and members 25 and 43. A stiffe'ning sheet 45 overlies elements 25, 43 and 44. A cylindrical cross brace 46 extends laterally of Athe frame and 'is secured to the respective support 'elements 25, 43 and 44 at each side of the loader frame. Bearing pins extend outwardly from each side of the support cylinder 46. Each bearing rotatably receives one ofthe arms 50 and 51 and each of the arms is formed in the shape of an l beam having two legs angularly disposed. The I beam may be formed of plates welded together.

At the apex o'f Vthe angle formed by the two legs there is provided a trunnion block 52 and suitable reinforcing plates -53 and y54. Trunnion block 52 supports a pin 55 which rotatably .receives piston rod 56. The trunnion block has two legs for supporting pin 55. Piston rod 56 is rotatably mounted intermediate the legs. It is understood that any suitable means maybe provided for maintaining the pivotal connections between the arms 50, 51 and the pins provided on the cylinder element 46 and between the piston rod .56 and trunnion blocks 52. .For this purpose nuts 57, as shown in Figure 2, may be threadingly connected to the bearing pins.

Immediately above the'bearing'block 52 a tubular cross brace 60 extends between the two arms 50 and 51. Forked brackets V61 each pivotally mount one of the hydraulic cylinders 62 and 63 by means of pins 64. The forwards ends of the arms 50 and 51 are pivotally connected to ya load carrying device, `such as a ybucket or a lifting fork. Apivot pin 65 `may be mounted in each arm for this purpose. Piston .rods 66 and -67 are likewise pivotally connected to a .load carrying means.

The two lifting arms '50 and 51 are interconnected by suitable bracing such as tubular cross brace 68 and crisscrossing bracing `elements 69, '70, 71 and 72. Intermediate their lengths the arms are provided with a strengthening frame 75 vwhich -comprises a generally U-shaped member 76, connected to both of the arms, and diagonal braces 77 yand 78.

A-stcp or yrest 79 is provided for supporting the loadcarrying device 80 when in `retracted or non-used position. A suitable bracket is mounted on arms 50 and 51 for supporting a motor driven winch .indicated at 81.

Guide rollers 82 are provided for guiding a line to be wound by the winch. The winch serves to provide convenient means for operating unlatching mechanism associated with load carrying means, such as a bar slidingl-y engaging chain ends and maintaining them connected. 1t is seen that by actuation of the hydraulic cylinders 30, the arms 50 and 51 can be raised and lowered, and that by actuation of the cylinders 62, 63, the load carrying means can be pivoted about the ends of the arms.

The cylinders and pistons employed are of the doubleacting type. At the forward end of the frame side members 10 and 11 there is mounted a frame cross member 85. Frame cross member 85 supports pumps employed in the hydraulic system and may be used to support similar elements. These pumps are driven by a .takeoff from the tractor engine. A guard 86 prevents damage to the motors by falling'objects. The guard is vfastened to the front end of the side members and to'the diagonal bracing member 41. The hydraulic reservoir S7 is supported adjacent the rear of the loader frame, and assists in counterbalancing during lifting and loading operations.

As shown in Figure l, a bracket 90 is secured adjacent one end of each side member. Each bracket ipivotally mounts a cylinder 91, having a piston rod 9.2 `extending outwardly therefrom. Aballast 93'which may-be formed ofplates and concrete, etc. -isadjustablyconnectedto vthe ends of the side frame members by means of rollers 94, 95. The "upper rollers support the weight of the side frame members and the lower rollers prevent tilting. Piston rod 92 is pivotally connected to bracket 96 attached to the ballast. The rollers can be dispensed with and sliding contact provided between the ballast and side frame members. lt should be noted that the ballast is adequately supported on Vthe frame members in all possible .positions The ballast cylinders are of the double acting type.

A motor supporting bracket is pivotally connected to the side .frame members. The bracket mounts a resilient pad 101. Support plate 102 rests on pad 101 and is pivotally connected to member 100 as by bolt 103. Upstanding double-angle brackets 104 and 105 are secured to plate 102. Brackets 104 and 105 are designed to accommodate the motor support anges provided on the tractor engine. .A radiator support 106 is also connected to .the side .frame members.

From the above it is seen that the loader frame furnishes the main .motor support, .and also that the load is transmitted directly from the loader frame to the tractor axis. That .-is, the loads encountered in loading and similar operations and the load of .the engine is transmitted directly to the axle since the loader frame is mounted directly von both `the front and rear axles. This type of construction also `permits .the use of substantially longitudinally extending side members 10 and 11, provides a more .satisfactory .support for the frame members 41, 44.etc. `and the `operating elements of the loader, such as the arms. There are further advantages to supporting the vmotor on the frame and mounting the frame on the axle. These include the elimination of undesirable distortions, the 4ability to use a simple frame, and also it is possible to have a loader -mechanism with which the forward vend of the pivotal arms can belowered closely adjacent lthe grou-nd directly ahead of the tractor.-

The pumps and various operating cylinders are interconnected by hydraulic lines, such `as 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,:1-15, 1116 and 1-17. A control box 118 is mounted sofas to bein a convenient position.

Figure `8 illustrates the hydraulic circuit employed for interconnecting the various operating elements. The lcircuit for the steering `cylinder is ynot shown. As shown, the pump forces oil from the reservoir to the control block 118. `By manipulating lever A the winch motor can be driven either `forward or reverse, depending upon which 4direction the lever is moved. By manipulating lever IB lthe tilting 'cylinder piston rods 66 and 67 can be driven Leither to the left-or to 'the right, also depending upon which way lever B is moved. .-Lever C similarly controls the direction -of movement of the piston rods 56. If the lever is moved in one-direction-theipiston'rods will move Ioutwardly'of the cylinders; if moved the other way, lthe rods will retract. The internal circuit in the valve block 118 is not shown, .since such ydoes not `form a Ipart -of vthe invention. A `full understanding of the connections will `be obtained, however, from the 'following description of the operation of lever B.

.-LeverB-is connected yto 'any suitable `valve or valves in such a `mannerthat when :lever B is .movedto the left, as shown in Figure `8, the lower sides of `the'tilting cylinder 6.3 are connected to uid under pressure from the pump, andthe 'upper 4sides-.of the v.cylinders are connected to the reservoir-87,thus=the rods 66 and 67 will move :outwardly of the tilting cylinders.

When lthelever EBis moved to thc right, as vic-wed in Figure 8, the lower sides of th'ertilting cylinders are connected `to the freservoiiand the nipper sides arc vconnected to fluid under pressure causing a retraction of the piston rod-s. Aunique feature of'the circuit is the employment of a sequence valve V As the'drawing symbol indicates, thefsequence' valve may vbe Vany type of valve which offers resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid. lt is preferably,

however, a valve which oers resistance to flow in one direction only. Valve lever C controls the operation of the hoisting cylinder 30 and `the ballast adjusting cylinders 9i. When the lever C is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 8, the lower ends of the hoisting cylinders 30 and the forward ends of the ballast cylinders are connected to uid under pressure from the pump. The ballast is thus moved rearwardly, as the lifting arms are raised. When the lever C is moved to the rear the reverse connections are effected. The lower ends of the hoisting cylinder are connected to the reservoir, as are the forward ends of the ballast moving cylinders. The upper ends of the hoisting cylinders and the rear ends of the ballast moving cylinders are connected to uid under pressure. It is when such hydraulic connections are made that the sequence valve is of importance.

Since uid must be pushed out of the lower end of the hoisting cylinders before the piston rods 56 can be retracted, the operation of the piston rods is retarded by the sequence valve. Although the retraction of the hoisting cylinder rods 56 is retarded, the retraction of the ballast is not. Thus the sequence valve insures that the ballast will be retracted before the lifting arms and attached article-carrying means have been lowered. This prevents overbalancing by the ballast. If the ballast were not thus retracted there might be danger of overturning the vehicle. Restriction of flow to the hoisting cylinders during lifting of 'the arms is not essential since the hoisting action will be slower than the movement of the ballast outwardly.

The provision of the movable ballast and the controls described eliminates the necessity for an extremely heavy frame and reduces overhang. This results in a lighter, more compact, extremely maneuverable load moving vehicle.

While I have shown and described a preferred form of my invention, it will be understood that variations in details of form may be made without departure from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a loader comprising side frame members, means for connecting said members to a vehicle, and load carrying arms pivotally connected to said side frame members, hydraulic means for pivoting said arms on said frame members, a ballast movably mounted on said frame members, hydraulic means connected between said ballast and said frame members, a hydraulic circuit comprising a control valve, and conduits for connecting all of said hydraulic means to said valve so that upon actuation of said valve in one direction said arms can be pivoted on said frame members in one direction, and said ballast moved along said frame members in one direction, and a tlow restricting device in said circuit for restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid upon actuation of said valve in another direction so as to pivot said arms and move said ballast in directions opposite to those in which they are respectively pivoted and moved when said valve is moved in said one direction.

2. In a loader comprising frame members adapted to be connected to a vehicle, and load carrying arms pivotally connected to said frame members, means comprising double acting hydraulic cylinders each having a piston movable therein, said means being connected between said frame members and said arms for pivoting said arms, a ballast movably supported on said frame members, double acting hydraulic cylinders and pistons movable therein for connecting said ballast to said frame members, said lastnamed pistons being movable in said cylinders so as to move said ballast with respect to said frame members, a valve, a hydraulic circuit comprising means for interconnecting all said cylinders and said valve, said valve being movable in one direction so as to cause simultaneous movement of said arms upwardly with respect to said frame members and movement of said ballast box along said frame members in one direction, said valve being movable in another direction to cause lowering of said arms and movement of said ballast in the opposite direction, and ow restricting means in said circuit for restricting ow in a portion of said circuit connected to said firstnamed cylinder and operable so as to restrict flow of fluid out of said iirst-named cylinders as said arms are lowered and said ballast moved in said opposite direction.

3. In a loader comprising frame members adapted to be connected to a vehicle, and load carrying arms pivotally connected to said frame members, means comprising hydraulic cylinders each having a piston, said means being connected between said frame members and said arms for pivoting said arms, a ballast movably supported on said frame members, hydraulic cylinder and pistons movable therein for connecting said ballast to said frame members, said last-named pistons being movable in said cylinders so as to move said ballast longitudinally along said frame members, a valve, an hydraulic circuit comprising means for interconnecting all said cylinders and said valve, said valve being movable so as to cause simultaneous movement of said arms upwardly with respect to said frame members and movement of said ballast along said frame members in one direction, said valve being movable in another direction to cause lowering of said arms and movement of said ballast in the opposite direction, and ow restricting means in said circuit for restricting flow in a portion of said circuit connected to said rstnamed cylinder and operable so as to restrict flow of fluid out of said first-named cylinders as said :arms are lowered and said ballast moved in said opposite direction.

4. In a loader comprising frame members, means for connecting said frame members to a vehicle, and load carrying arms pivotally connected to said members, hydraulic means connected to said members and said arms and operable to pivot said arms upwardly and downwardly, respectively, on said frame members, a. ballast movably connected to said frame members, hydraulic means for moving said ballast with respect to said frame members in either of two directions, an hydraulic circuit interconnecting all of said hydraulic means and comprising a valve, said valve being movable in one direction to cause upward movement of said arms and movement of said ballast in one direction, said valve being movable in another direction to cause lowering of said arms and movement of said ballast in the other of said two directions, and a flow restricting means in said circuit operable to restrict flow of hydraulic medium from said tirst mentioned hydraulic means during lowering movement of said arms.

5 A loader frame comprising side frame members adapted to be attached to a vehicle, arms pivotally connected thereto, means for connecting a load moving device to said arms, first hydraulic elements secured at one of their ends to said side frame members and at their other i ends to said arms adapted to impart relative movement to said arms with respect to said frame, and ballast means movably secured to said frame provided with second hydraulic elements adapted to cause relative movement of said ballast with respect to said frame, a hydraulic circuit for operating and controlling said hydraulic elements having control means adapted to cause simultaneous movement of said first and second hydraulic elements with respect to said frame.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 524,619 Sturm Aug. 14, 1894 1,852,200 Camp Apr. 5, 1932 2,426,544 Wooldridge n- Aug. 26, 1947 2,449,279 Conklin Sept. 14, 1948 2,517,582 Lull Aug. 8, 1950 2,519,974 Mork Aug. 22, 1950 2,526,613 Tanguy Oct. 17, 1950 2,538,000 Hoar et al. Jan. 16, 1951 2,598,233 Deardorl May 27, 1952 

